Pornography is a Mortal Sin.

ℌ𝔶𝔭𝔬𝔠𝔯𝔦𝔰𝔶.

The hypocrisy of a hidden sin.

In the Catholic tradition, hypocrisy is often described as a grave vice, incompatible with the virtue of sincerity and inner truth. Christ himself reproached the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, holding them responsible for appearances without the reality of the heart.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people and all uncleanness.” (Matthew 23:27)

“… but I say unto you, that every one that looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28)

Saint Thomas Aquinas explains that hypocrisy consists of feigning a virtue one does not possess, which constitutes a grave breach of charity and justice.

And within pornography, especially internet pornography, one finds the hidden vice.

The destroyer of love, the perverter of virtue, making chains for addicts.

And no wonder many people feel destitute after viewing it. The vices that accompany are shameful, lonely, stagnant and repetitive. It is unrealistic, choreographed, using invasive equipment such as cameras and boom pole microphones. It is then edited and produced. So far removed from intimacy and love - it is manufactured, processed and devoid of love.

It is fantasy, artificial, staged. The addictiveness of it comes from those who are fooled into believing a lie. Looking for some form of intimacy, some form of connection, they are left with mindless sterility.

Its corruption of love is apparent. Instead of mutual sharing, bonding, and understanding there is only the lonely voyeur left when the media stops playing or the image is closed - someone who obtains sexual gratification from observing individuals who are partly undressed, naked, or engaged in sexual acts. Usually in the dark, never admitting to it in public, afraid of being caught.

The epitome of a dysfunctional, self-referential, selfish, stunted sexuality - a preoccupation with oneself, prioritizing personal thoughts, feelings, and needs over others.

Degrading and depressing - it is even true the accusation that those involved in pornography are making fun of its viewers. The immaturity, senselessness, greed, and scandal.

Yet people keep going back to it again and again. Looking to fill a void, a hole in their heart where real personhood and shared intimacy should be and should grow.

In a secular age, pornography is surprisingly easy to condemn in non-religious terms.

Its ill effects are evident.

Even those who have settled into regular pornography use are ridiculed - those obsessed with pornography and masturbation, to the point of social dysfunction. If their conscience doesn’t accuse them, then others around them find their behavior wrong and grotesque. There is nothing transformative - pornography takes, it never gives.

Pervert, freak, deviant, weirdo - all tags that follow pornography as it tries to provide an outlet to those who will never feel true love from it. All in unproductive patterns or "circles" rather than moving forward.

Pair-bonding and relationship damage occurs, frustrating even those who have never been in a meaningful, romantic relationship. Frequent use predicts lower sexual & relationship satisfaction, higher infidelity rates, and objectification of partners. Porn is intrinsically disordered because it separates sex from a total self-gifting to another person, marriage, procreation and intimate love.

The Church teaches that human sexuality is a sacred gift meant to be expressed only within marriage, where the sexual act has two inseparable purposes: unitive (deepening love and total self-giving between spouses) and procreative (open to new life). Pornography completely separates sex from these ends. It turns the conjugal act into a public spectacle or performance, perverting its intimate, loving character and fostering lust (a disordered desire for sexual pleasure isolated from its true meaning). This violates the virtue of chastity, which calls for the integrity of the person and the proper integration of sexuality

Every person is made in the image and likeness of God and possesses inherent dignity that must never be reduced to an object. Pornography treats people (performers, producers, viewers) as mere instruments for sexual gratification or profit. It dehumanizes everyone involved by turning persons into commodities or sources of "base pleasure." This applies to actors (often exploited), vendors, and consumers alike.

Porn creates a false, addictive world that distorts reality, damages real relationships, and leads people away from authentic love and communion. It promotes a counterfeit version of intimacy that harms spiritual, emotional, and relational health.

Nearly everyone knows that Catholics are opposed to the sin of self-abuse (masturbation), but the opposition to pornography needs to be concrete. One sin leads to another. People associate and empathize with pornographic actors without knowing the deep exploitation that occurs in the industry. Pornography is not manly or macho, it is weak, enervating and effeminate. It ultimately hurts women by making them a means to an end, rather than treating a person as having an ultimate destiny and having self-importance and self-worth. The two sins are linked. Self-mastery includes abstaining from self-abuse, and lust of the eyes (For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 1 John 2:16). Take a stand - do not be proud that you oppose self-abuse, but tolerate pornography - reject both. Be a man - Esto Vir. Do not entertain lustful thoughts about pornography, then you will probably not watch it nor commit self-abuse. It is not a difficult problem to solve.

Pornography a deeply depressing affair. The echoes of loneliness. You will not find love, satisfaction in pornography. There is no reciprocal, balanced, and deep emotional connection with a couple sharing, valuing, and expressing similar feelings of affection, care, and respect with each other. Instead, there is loneliness, isolation and shame.

However, Christ Jesus has the answer which is true and radical love with self-forgiveness.

The Hypocrites of Dante.

Pornography is a Sin of Lust

  • Law and Catechism

    Catechism of the Catholic Church

    “2354 Pornography consists in removing real or simulated sexual acts from the intimacy of the partners, in order to display them deliberately to third parties. It offends against chastity because it perverts the conjugal act, the intimate giving of spouses to each other. It does grave injury to the dignity of its participants (actors, vendors, the public), since each one becomes an object of base pleasure and illicit profit for others. It immerses all who are involved in the illusion of a fantasy world. It is a grave offense. Civil authorities should prevent the production and distribution of pornographic materials.”

    It should be noted that this definition comes from the Catechism published in 1992. It may seem a little out of date or incomplete. The current legal definition of pornography is generally understood as:

    “Material (images, videos, text, etc.) primarily for the purpose of sexual stimulation or arousal.”

    Then there is the test for obscenity which increases the gravity of the sin:

    1) Is the behavior depicted excessive, or morbid?

    2) Does it depict behavior that would be considered illegal?

    3) Can there be any reasonable justification for it? (this echoes the traditional Catholic test for immodesty. Justification could be legal, scientific or academic)

    An updated definition of pornography should capture all deviant and obscene material and material which depicts sexual abuse. The more vulnerability, the stricter the definition should be (e.g. forbidding “any” such material).

    Right reason and our conscience informs us we cannot rely on legalisms - the letter of the catechism cannot be abused to diminish the spirit which spells out the seriously sinful nature of this material (all such material).

    Humility also requires us to apply a subjective test to ourselves. What is titillating for some will not be for others (what can be known in psychology as a “fetish”, or a paraphilia, meaning an unusual attraction). Human psychology can have a “je ne sais quoi” (a quality that cannot be described or named easily), but “we know it when we see it” or when we “feel it”. A compartmentalized and blind understanding of our self & our sinfulness is extremely unhelpful. We have to know our weaknesses fearlessly and honestly and keep it real. The inner self is a deeply personal one that cannot be universalized out to avoid our own internal embarrassment. Jesus said “the truth will set us free”. Know thyself. Before we can conquer something, we must first conquer ourselves. We cannot behave arrogantly, denying our weaknesses and limitations simply because they might cause us discomfort or upset our rigid worldview or sense of self. We are weak according to our‍ weaknesses, and our weaknesses alone. In our examination of conscience, we are not comparing ourselves to others. This or that is wrong for us, because we are flawed that way. We cannot hide behind trying to be generally or statistically acceptable and forcing others to be the same. There is no cookie-cutter morality. It is all deeply personal, even if there might be broad categories.

  • Scripture

    15 Know you not that your bodies are the members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.

    16 Or know you not, that he who is joined to a harlot, is made one body? For they shall be, saith he, two in one flesh.

    17 But he who is joined to the Lord, is one spirit.

Quotes on the Illicitness of Pornography

Why Is Pornography Wrong?

Sexual love is a gift meant for marriage alone. "Pornography consists in removing real or simulated sexual acts from the intimacy of the partners, in order to display them deliberately to third parties" (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], no. 2354). All pornography is immoral and harmful, and can never be justified, including within marriage. Using and/or producing pornography is a sin against chastity and against human dignity. It reduces the body to an erotic stimulant. It harms viewers and does "grave injury" to those involved in its production (CCC, no. 2354).

The sin of pornography needs the Lord's forgiveness and should be confessed in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Its use is also often linked with other sins, especially masturbation but also adultery, and the crime of human trafficking. Pornography objectifies people and brings hurt and pain. It is an illusory substitute for real relationships and intimacy, which in the end bring true joy.

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

The Internet and Pornography

The focus for today must be about the safety and care of the children, the young adults, parents, the young and the old ‐ all those we serve. This has been and is our tradition. The current crisis may challenge us in this regard, but let us be clear about this effort and this reality. It is always in our tradition to care for the “least amongst us.” [Matthew 25:40] Certainly these days pose new and challenging problems for all who use the Internet and technology, and we will by implication be specifically addressing these individuals who parent our children, teach our children, and pastor our children but they themselves as adults might be also overwhelmed by these challenges and opportunities and they too must be vigilant and sensitive to the possibilities and the problems today associated with the appropriate use of the Internet and technology. Research across cultures and countries indicates that the youth, college students and young  adults are the primary users of these new technologies. We would be well served to enter it wisely, completely, and with due haste.

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Pornography is immoral and ultimately anti–social precisely because it is opposed to the truth about the human person, made in the image and likeness of God (Cf. Gen. 1:26-27). By its very nature, pornography denies the genuine meaning of human sexuality as a God–given gift intended to open individuals to love and to sharing in the creative work of God through responsible procreation. By reducing the body to an instrument for the gratification of the senses, pornography frustrates authentic moral growth and undermines the development of mature and healthy relationships. It leads inexorably to the exploitation of individuals, especially those who are most vulnerable, as is so tragically evident in the case of child pornography.

ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS JOHN PAUL II
 TO THE MEMBERS OF
THE RELIGIOUS ALLIANCE AGAINST PORNOGRAPHY

Thursday, 30 January 1992

"The moment has come to energetically halt prostitution as well as the widespread distribution of material with an erotic and pornographic content, including through the Internet in particular"

Pope Benedict XVI

Spirit of Prostitution

1 Corinthians 6

The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! 16 Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” 17 But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.

18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Hosea 4:13

They sacrifice on the tops of the mountains and burn offerings on the hills, under oak, poplar, and terebinth, because their shade is good. Therefore your daughters play the whore, and your brides commit adultery.

Hebrews 13:4
Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.

3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body a in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit

1 Thessalonians 4

It is forbidden to participate in pornography. Christ called prostitutes to repentenance and said go & sin no more. Pornography is exploitation and humiliation. People who support pornography and encourage pornographic actors and actresses are committing mortal sin. We should only encourage pornographic actors to leave prostitution and embrace a life of normalcy and purity. We should encourage those skilled in production to find pure industries for their skills. Pornography is addictive, base and from hell. Its access and production should be totally banned as a form of slavery.

habitual sin.

Pornography is said to be addictive.

There are different addictions. Chemical addiction is life-destroying, as is alcoholism.

The life-destructive properties of hard drugs can be difficult to compare with pornography addiction.

It is perhaps a sign of “immaturity, force of acquired habit, conditions of anxiety or other psychological or social factors”.

Pornography can cause immature individuals to suffer from “depression, social isolation, career loss, decreased productivity, or financial consequences as a result of their excessive Internet pornography viewing impeding their social lives”.

Then again, it’s not a competition between those who might find the idea of “pornography addiction” merely psychosomatic or psychological.

Those in prison or with criminal records for possessing child pornography have clearly suffered life destroying consequences.

People enslaved to the Mortal Sin of Lust are suffering from some form of addiction. They want to stop watching pornography but cannot. They know that it is mortally sinful, indeed, even illegal, but through habitual sin they find the chains hard to break.

Habitual sin - be it pornography or masturbation - can cause life destroying consequences. Perhaps, it is a sign of modern psychology to classify pornography as addictive. Nevertheless, we should still draw on traditional moral theology to explain habitual vice as well.

By classifying pornography as addictive, one is not diminishing the serious or even lethal physical, mental, and financial consequences of chemical drug addiction or substance use disorder. Anecdotally, methamphetamine use and binging on hardcore pornography has been said by some users to go together, along with risky sexual activity (chem-sex).

But by such classification, society and professionals might better understand how to approach the topic, without removing the overarching spiritual reasons (world, devil, flesh) for the cause of such besetting sin, repeated sin, recurring sin, and entrenched sin.

Addiction creates idols in the heart.

Pornography is addictive, properly understood.

Illustrated pornography.

also known as drawn, animated, cartoon, hentai …

Pornography which is mortally sinful also includes animated content, including those in comic & cartoon format, 3d animation, AI, video games, and hentai.

The fact that the content may not involve real people, ignores the fact that its inspiration obviously comes from real people, even if they are in imaginary settings.

Lusting after other people (whether real or imaginary) is contrary to the will of Christ (Matthew 5:28 - “but I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart”).

This content is designed to stimulate sexual arousal and creates an impure heart through the sin of lust.

The Bible states to "flee from sexual immorality" (1 Corinthians 6:18) and cease earthly desires like lust and impurity (Colossians 3:5).

Mark 20: 17 After Jesus had left the crowd and gone into the house, His disciples inquired about the parable. 18“Are you still so dull?” He asked. “Do you not understand? [...] For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. 23 All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man.

Disturbingly, recent trends in generated pornography, and entrenched in animated pornography are themes involving child exploitation and abuse.

All pornography, including animated pornography, is wrong because it objectifies people. Images of people in these settings are seen as means to and end - to be used purely for the selfish gratification of the viewer. This attitude can play out in real life, where having admitted these pornographic images into the heart, mind & soul, other real-life people are dehumanized (even if it the pornography is fictional) and treated as mere objects devoid of real humanhood and personality. All people are made in God’s image. Instead of treating people kindly, with dignity and charitably, individuals are seen through the corrupted lens of pornography and selfish desire.

There is then a risk that those who view this material may take perverted intentions (from habit formed impulses) into real life after being inspired by pornography (including animated pornography) and engage in spiritually evil activities, such as rape, adultery, and child abuse.

1 Corinthians 6:18-20 states: “18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?”

Animated pornography

  • Causes lustful thoughts, even if the characters are fictional

  • Corrupts our attitude to others by objectifying them, even if the source of the pornography may not involve real people. It fuels unhealthy and unrealistic attitudes and expectations through dangerous illusion and fantasy

  • Unrealistic expectations: AI can’t truly reciprocate feelings or consent; interactions are always one-sided.

And returning to the theme of habitual sin (“addiction”), animated pornography create this harmful illusory world which enslaves the viewer, and causes them to return to it, even if their conscience and will tells them not to do it. This is incredibly troubling if the material involved includes animated child pornography and illegally generated pornography.

Those artists involved in the production of this material should cease immediately, and given the gravity of the material seek psychological-spiritual counseling (and seek help from police and law enforcement) and turn their artistic talents to the use of good rather the evil.

Those involved in animated pornography should also stop deluding themselves that the sin is somehow more acceptable because it is fictional and stop immediately. Lust is lust, and sin is sin.

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Jeremiah 17:9

Substitutes. Triggers.

motivated ostensibly. acting speciously.

as appears or is stated to be true, though not necessarily so; apparently.

in a way that appears to be right, true, or plausible, but is actually wrong or false.

this means seemingly innocent material that either will trigger, spiral or cause temptation to worse material, or is a facade for what is really going on in someone’s head (e.g. watching x, but thinking y)

we ought to stay away from anything resembling material that we know is wrong, even if by itself it may be neutral. the brain is a highly complex organism that is always recognizing, making connections and interpreting patterns. self-deception or wilful ignorance can cause serious lapses

[examples include pedophiles watching child-media which they should strictly stay away from.]


Pornography comes from the Greek words : πόρνος (pórnos) "fornicators", and γράφειν (gráphein) "writing, recording, or description".

Pornography is generally considered sexually explicit.

However, in the heart of man, some can turn non-pornographic material into material for lustful and selfish gratification.

Morality that is mere legalism is like letter without spirit (2 Corinthians 3:6).

Those who treat non-pornographic material as a substitute for pornography are committing the same sin of lust, and disturbingly may turn content that is innocent in nature into their own pornography for deviant purposes.

This is what is meant by “they are treating that like pornography”. It is even more horrifying if the images include minors.

By “they are treating it like pornography”, usually that means its use is accompanied by the same or similar sinful thoughts, words and deeds as would regular pornography (including, but not limited to masturbation).

Consequently, if any material is causing one to lust or driving lust, then do not succumb to hypocrisy; treating it like a substitute (Luke 8:17 - “For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open”). Instead shun it like a near occasion of sin it is.

Images, videos, imaginative thoughts or speech that while innocent in and of themselves are driving sinful & lustful behavior must be dealt with out of personal moral responsibility.

Lust cannot be transferred from explicit material to non-explicit material. In fact, that might be psychologically more insidious by bringing non-consenting parties into dangerous & selfish sexual objectification.

Using innocent pictures, images, memories of others for deviant sexual purposes is completely unacceptable.

Introduction to the Devout Life

How to Resist Minor Temptations

Part IV, Chapter 8 (St. Francis de Sales (Doctor of the Church)

“While it is right to resist great temptations with invincible courage, and all such victories will be most valuable, still there is perhaps more absolute profit to our souls in resisting little ones. For although the greater temptations exceed in power, there are so infinitely more in number of little temptations, that a victory over them is fully as important as over the greater but rarer ones. No one will question but that wolves and bears are more dangerous than flies, but they do not worry and annoy us, or try our patience as these do. While is not a hard thing to abstain from murder, but it is very difficult to avoid all passing fits of anger, which assail us at every moment. A man or woman can easily keep from adultery, but it is less easy to abstain from all words and glances which are disloyal. While is easy to keep from stealing another man's goods, but often difficult to resist coveting them; easy to avoid bearing false witness in direct judgment, difficult to be perfectly truthful in conversation; easy to refrain from getting drunk, difficult to be absolutely sober; easy not to wish for a neighbour's death, difficult not to wish anything contrary to his interests; easy to keep from slander, difficult to avoid all contempt.

In short, all these minor temptations to anger, suspicion, jealousy, envy, levity, vanity, duplicity, affectation, foolish thoughts, and the like, are a perpetual trial even to those who are most devout and most resolute; and therefore, my child, we ought carefully and diligently to prepare for this warfare. Be assured that every victory won over these little foes is as a precious stone in the crown of glory which God prepares for us in Paradise. So, while awaiting and making ready for a stedfast and brave resistance to great temptations should they come, let us not fail diligently to fight against these meaner, weaker foes.”

Custody of the Senses.

The effect of these vices is that the material which weakens and scandalizes us can leave a lasting imprint on the mind.

Lustful thoughts are a mortal sin.

Therefore, it is important to not just cease viewing such material, but also to ensure that we do not revisit it in our mind.

Given its powerful effect on the mind, this can be difficult, but must be started immediately.

It has been noted that temptations to think of past seen material is often accompanied by an emotional longing. It can be difficult to reject these thoughts, but not impossible. It might be a psychological attachment, perhaps associated with a person in particular.

Sometimes the attachment can be very severe indeed, and linked to a false conception of happiness. Or perhaps it may involve a person God has other plans for that do not involve us. In which case, this may require “letting go”.

Regardless, it is established that one must reject the thought at once. “Right then, and right there - at that moment - stop thinking about it”. And get used to doing it. This may seem easier said than done. People might imagine bouncing the thought back, clearing their head, blocking it out, reciting a prayer.

Cultivating "pure thoughts" is also useful.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8

It has been said, no matter how long the Devil presses the doorbell, do not answer the door.

Next, the Devil is indeed a creature of deception -

“And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:14

And so, it may simply come down to common sense. An evil motive can be disguised as something good. It is of course a countefeit and a deception. Calm reflection will often reveal the mental deception involved (from ourselves, the world, or indeed the Father of All Lies).

The Devil is not for robbing empty houses. He seeks to replace treasures of virtue with his sewerage. If you open the door, or leave the window open - he will find a way in.

Therefore, vigilance and resisting thoughts is required. If one is not resisting these thoughts, how then can one avoid temptation? The result will most likely be the same, every time.

Epistle of James, Chapter 1

14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Now it might happen that one has habitual thoughts. This may be due to an idol at heart -

““Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all?”

Ezekiel 14:3

In which case, one is not worshipping God or even serving God, but instead serving a wicked idol. No wonder then the mind is so polluted with these thoughts and remembrances.

No one is saying that freeing the mind is easy, but it is useful to know what might be the source of troubles.

Exodus 20:3

“You shall have no other gods before me.”

1 Corinthians 10:14

“Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.”

Numbers 15:39

“You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the LORD, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by chasing after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes.”

But, with God, nothing is impossible. Our Lord is indeed the Prince of Peace, who only asks us to put the raging seas in our mind at rest and enjoy a blessed happiness.

Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.




Unchaste Thoughts and Desires
by Fr. Johann Evangelist Zollner, 1883

"Why do you think evil in your hearts?"--Matt. 9: 4.

Part II.

1. What ought to be our conduct in unchaste thoughts and desires? If we are assailed by impure thoughts and desires, we ought:

(a.) To offer earnest resistance in the very beginning. The resistance must be made in the beginning, that we may not sin, for he who does not fight against and banish the impure thoughts and desires in the very moment in which he perceives them to be sinful, commits at least a venial sin, as already remarked. They must be resisted in the beginning, that we may more easily overcome them. It is with impure temptations as with a spark which falls upon an unflammable object. You can easily extinguish it and prevent a conflagration, but if you neglect it for a little while, the spark will kindle a great fire which cannot be checked and controlled at all, or only with the greatest difficulty. Hence St. Augustine says: ''If a bad thought arises in you, and you banish it at once, your heart will not be defiled by it, or at least will again obtain its purity, but if you leave it in your heart for any length of time, you can banish it only with difficulty and great labor." Hence an ancient poet says: "Resist the beginning; too late is medicine administered when by long delay the evil has grown strong."

(b.) The resistance must be earnest. St. Ignatius very appropriately compares an impure temptation to a woman who, when she quarrels with her husband, takes to flight when she finds earnest resistance, but clamors and rages the worse the more the man shows himself timid and resists only weakly. If we show ourselves weak against our tempter, he becomes bolder and more impetuous; he will perhaps succeed in overcoming our weak resistance and win a complete victory. But if we offer an earnest and determined resistance in the beginning, he generally loses courage for the continuation of the contest, for he sees that he gains nothing by his assaults. The thought that the salvation of our soul is endangered ought to animate us to earnest resistance. What a calamity it would be to consent to the temptation and sin grievously! This resistance, however, must not be impetuous, but considerate and calm; we must avert our thoughts from the impure object and direct them to eternal truths, such as the four last things to be remembered, and to Jesus Christ, our crucified Redeemer.

2. To call upon God for help. Solomon did this, saying: "As I knew that I could not otherwise be continent, except God gave it, and this also was a point of wisdom, to know whose gift it was, I went to the Lord and besought him with my whole heart."--Wisd. 8: 21. St. Francis of Sales says: "As soon as you perceive a temptation, do as little children who, when they see a bear or a wolf, run to their father or mother, or at least cry for help; in like manner have recourse to God and ask His help and mercy." Our Saviour himself furnishes you with this means when He says: "Pray, that you enter not into temptation." Frequently make the sign of the Cross, for, as St. Augustine says, "through the power of the Cross all the assaults of the devil are frustrated."

3. Not to be discouraged when the temptation lasts a long time, but persevere in the use of the means, until you obtain the victory. Christians who have long and permanent temptations to endure must, first of all, consider what is the cause of these temptations, and regulate their conduct accordingly.

(a) He who in time past has often sinned against purity, usually afterwards endures many unchaste temptations. Thus we read of the holy penitent, Margaret of Cortona, that she was very much tormented by great temptations exactly as many years as she had lived a sinful life. Christians with whom impure temptations have this origin, must humble themselves before God and mortify themselves a great deal, in order to prevent a relapse.

(b) Impure temptations have their origin often in this, that people are not watchful enough, allow too much liberty to their senses, and do not with proper care avoid occasions. Many do not guard their eyes, those inlets of criminal passion, are too free in their intercourse with persons of the opposite sex, or nourish and foster a too sensible inclination for a certain person. Such persons are in imminent danger of losing their souls; they must stop the sources of their temptations, otherwise they can never get rid of the temptations themselves.

(c) Many are greatly tormented by unchaste thoughts and desires without giving occasion to them, for they lead a retired, mortified life, and diligently fulfil their religious duties. Such Christians must not be disquieted, for these temptations are no loss to them, but rather gain. God permits them to be tempted in order to keep them in humility, to preserve them from tepidity and levity and to afford them an opportunity for practising various virtues and increasing their merits. They must, however, redouble their watchfulness and fervor in prayer and often excite themselves to the love of God in order to keep all danger of consenting to the temptations away. The advice may also be given to them to disclose their temptations in the confessional, for "a revealed temptation is already half conquered."--St. Philip Neri

PERORATION:

This is what you must do when you are assailed by unchaste thoughts and desires: You must offer an earnest resistance in the very beginning, and call upon God for grace and help. If the temptation lasts, you must not be discouraged, but persevere in the use of the appropriate means, and as much as possible avoid everything that might afford an occasion for impure temptations. If you are not wanting in what is required for the overcoming of every temptation on your side, you may rest assured that God will do His share, for, as the Apostle says, "God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that which you are able; but will make also with temptation issue, that you may be able to bear it."--I. Cor. 10: 13. Amen.

Lust is an intense, disordered, or unlawful desire, often specifically referring to sexual appetite. Concupiscence is a broader theological term describing the human inclination or tendency toward sin, resulting from the fall of man, which causes disordered desires. While lust is a specific action or feeling, concupiscence is the underlying state.

Chastity pertains to our actions. Purity pertains to our thoughts. The terms are often used interchangeably to refer to sexual integrity. In order to resist lust, we need to curb, minimize the strong desire for pleasures of the flesh. To be chaste is to not only resist, but to limit, restrain, control lust. To be pure is to put a filter on our thoughts. The mind is like a hard-drive, it never forgets. But that doesn’t mean that through time and practice we can minimize our harmful desires and thoughts. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" (Matthew 5:8).

We should not be discouraged if we find that our efforts do not give the purity we would like immediately. As long as we do not consent or take pleasure in the intrusive thoughts that the world, the Devil and the flesh (ourselves) throw at us then we are blameless - even if they are shocking and abominable, or they cause physical reactions outside of our control

During this process of purification, everyone should find at least one attachment to physical pleasure that they will have to seriously wrestle with to give up. The weak ones will find they cannot give it up. Those who are committed to being strong will cooperate with Grace and shun their mental Idolatry. To prefer God to everyone and everything - even if this purification takes some time. (Let go of the hidden idols of our hearts - 1 John 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols.). Grace perfects nature.

We should submit lust to reason, we should remember feelings of emptiness after lust - that way we would avoid these passions. Galatians 5:17-25 - For the flesh lusts against the Spirit. To be spiritual is to be chaste & pure.

Immediacy of action. Avoiding lust is an active process "Flee fornication" (1 Corinthians 6:18). Oftentimes, it is not a dry intellectual or spiritual exercise. We need to physically remove ourselves from situations, or idleness, that leads to temptation (1 Corinthians 7:9 - do not sit there “burning”). Physical distance is often required, if we find that mental resistance is not working. It can be as simple as performing chores, as long as we are not pointlessly dwelling on our destructive passions, and then are surprised when we are engulfed in a fire we cannot put out because we did nothing to stop it in the first place. “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty” Proverbs 22:3.

Purity of Mind & Soul. Consider what thoughts we might subconsciously think of which are harmful attachments. Like the heartbeat that we do not notice, these thoughts can occur in the back of our minds constantly. It is a form of hidden-lust, but it shows a deep rooted attachment. They might not be obstrusive, or only suggestive. Like a tumbleweed, after time has elapsed, no wonder the hidden thoughts suddenly manifest themselves as large and difficult temptations. Know thyself. If we have a prevailing fault, perhaps it’s because it starts out small, and then grows larger. Consider what emotional attachments we might have to things, places, people. If we are brave enough to stop the little sparks, they may not grow into larger problems. It is a part of letting go. You know these thoughts harm you, but because of a deceptive, illusory and elusive comfort, we go on thinking about them. Maybe not directly, but it is there. Be a good gardener, tend the garden of the mind and soul, and remove these weeds with gentleness and higher thought. The heart yearns for things that can harm us, or show us to be hypocrites. Be honest with your mind and ask your heart to let go of attachments which are bad. Nobody is saying this is easy, but knowledge is a start.

Philippians 4:7 - “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”.

Part of it is loving God more the persons, places of things that take His place. Often times we compromise and seek to have both. Licit enjoyments are allowed, but we shouldn’t delude ourselves with contradictory things. We may end up with spiritual schizophrenia - desiring what is forbidden, then bargaining, and finally ending up with an utterly irreconcilable positions. We may end up looking foolish and ridiculous.

Either something or someone leads you closer to God or further away from him. People may experience spiritual experiences in love and sentiment. But these can become idolatrous, turning someone or something into a idol. If they do not led us closer to God, sooner or later we will have a choice to make. We can either play a highly unusual game of reaching a compromise with two opposites, and then consistently fail, or remove the contradiction from our life, heart and mind. While this may sound harsh, sometimes we have to pick a team and we cannot play on both. In the end it is prioritizing God over people, places or things. This should help answer what is pure or noble to think about against what leads us away from God and into a world of fantasy and illusion.

James 1:8 “He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

Joshua 24:14 - “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

"Our whole life," says the devout St. Bernard, "is nothing but one long temptation"

Saint Thomas Aquinas Summa Theologiae > First Part of the Second Part > Question 74

Delight in the thought of an evil thing, if it be full, is mortal sin

“But that a man in thinking of fornication takes pleasure in the act thought of, is due to his desire being inclined to this act. Wherefore the fact that a man consents to such a delectation, amounts to nothing less than a consent to the inclination of his appetite to fornication: for no man takes pleasure except in that which is in conformity with his appetite. Now it is a mortal sin, if a man deliberately chooses that his appetite be conformed to what is in itself a mortal sin. Wherefore such a consent to delectation in a mortal sin, is itself a mortal sin…”

Pedophilia.

A child molester is a person who has a primary or exclusive sexual attraction to:

Pedophilia (primarily prepubescent focus, typically <11–13)

Hebephilia (primarily pubescent/early adolescent focus, ~11–14)

Ephebophilia – (primary attraction to mid-to-late adolescents, ~15–17)

IS ALL Corruption of the Young -

“Catechism 2353 Fornication is carnal union between an unmarried man and an unmarried woman. It is gravely contrary to the dignity of persons and of human sexuality which is naturally ordered to the good of spouses and the generation and education of children. Moreover, it is a grave scandal when there is corruption of the young.”

Pedophilia = attraction (psychological concept) Child sexual abuse = behavior (criminal act)

An enormous crime & sin.

PEDOPHILIA IS A PEVERSE SEXUAL INCLINATION/ATTRACTION TO CHILDREN.

CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE / PEDOSEXUALITY INVOLVES SINFUL (SEXUAL) ACTS AGAINST CHILDREN.

Like homosexuality, a differentiation can be made with regards to attraction. So, homosexuality is a sin, but same-sex attraction is a trial. However, pedophilia is a far more dangerous inclination and cannot be dealt with personally - active psychological intervention is required. Those with a sexual attraction to children should not wrestle or deal with it on their own. They should seek professional, psychological help as soon as they have recognized their disorder. Pedophilia that is dealt with alone very often leads to life-destroying criminal behaviour and ruined lives. Pedophilia is a life long, chronic disorder. There is no known cure for it. Psychological counselling, medication, and professional treatments are required (especially since the “polar bear effect” may be in operation - where suppressing lustful thoughts without dealing with them properly leads to more intrusive thoughts).

EVERYONE MUST PUT THIS FIRST:

“WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO TO KEEP THE CHILDREN SAFE?”

How is it love of neighbour to coerce children to do the most obscene and unnatural things against their instincts (Mark 12:31)? It is an abomination of filth and desolation. How could anyone who professes religion have anything to do with this destruction and pollution?

Catechism of the Catholic Church:

“2388 Incest designates intimate relations between relatives or in-laws within a degree that prohibits marriage between them.180 St. Paul stigmatizes this especially grave offense: "It is actually reported that there is immorality among you . . . for a man is living with his father's wife.... In the name of the Lord Jesus ... you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh...."181 Incest corrupts family relationships and marks a regression toward animality.”

“2389 Connected to incest is any sexual abuse perpetrated by adults on children or adolescents entrusted to their care. the offense is compounded by the scandalous harm done to the physical and moral integrity of the young, who will remain scarred by it all their lives; and the violation of responsibility for their upbringing.”

1 Corinthians 6 - Literal Emphasis Translation

9 Or do you not know that the unjust ones will not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not led to wander (go astray, deviated, caused to wander, deceived): neither fornicators, nor idolaters (image worshippers), nor adulterers, nor effeminates/molesters (WSNTDICT-soft to the touch, one that allows themselves to be sexually abused contrary to nature, HELPS WORD STUDIES- catamite-a pubescent boy who is the intimate companion of a young man in Roman times, modern definition of catamite- a boy as a passive or receiving partner in anal intercourse with a man, THAYERS- soft to the touch, effeminate, of a catamite, a male that submits his body to unnatural lewdness---latin word is molles, which is possibly a semantic precursor to a molester in my estimation I conclude that malakoi pertains to those that sexually abuse children or women, and possibly to those that sexually act as the opposite sex especially to a man being effeminate with the wearing the soft/delicate clothing of women), nor homosexual bedfellows (greek word- arsenokoitai, from arsen, “a male” and koite, “a bed” or properly, a man in bed with another man- it can also be understood as those that abuse/defile themselves sexually with others of same sex to make a play on the semantics of the greek? koites in the ars latin words- masculorum concubitores, masculorum means abuser and concubitores means homosexual and as concubitor it means bedfellow, so in latin it is abusing homosexual bedfellows—a lot of old translations say “abusers of themselves with mankind” and another old translation uses buggerer which means one that has anal intercourse), 10 nor thieves (kleptai- one that steals in secret with stealth, rather than in open with violence), nor covetous defrauders (one desirous of having more, trampling the rights of others), not drunkards, nor abusive revilers, nor swindlers (rapacious extortioners) will inherit the kingdom of God.

St Agnes (pictured) was a young Christian martyr, and one of many, who preferred death rather than lose her virginity. She was forcibly coerced by the Roman authority to have sex with eminent suitors, and after that failed, was ordered to be sent into brothels surrounded by infamous and rude men. Actively refusing and declining, she was decapitated. "Jesus Christ is my only Spouse" were her famous words.The Romans were frustrated by the Christian insistence on virginity (outside of the paganized Vestal Virgins) and even Josephite marriages were persecuted. The spouse of St Agnes was Jesus Christ, and even if she was to be married, her wedding night would be with her lawful husband, not in fornication. The Romans were also repelled by the Christian avoidance of military service, due to their commitment to Christian pacificism. All of these virtues frustrated and vexed the Roman pagans.

 

What then is pedophilia which is acted upon, beyond sexual attraction to children?

  • Actual child molestation

    • Report all incidences to law enforcement

    • Pedophiles should self-report immediately

  • Child pornography

    • This includes AI, drawn, illustrated, hentai style pormography and objectionable material

    • Report all incidence to law enforcement

    • Pedophiles should self-report

    • Seek professional psychological and psychiatric help

    • Even if the material is not downloaded, modern legislation criminalizes non-accidental viewing. All those who exploit such loopholes should be fully prosecuted as being accessory to serious sins.

    • The use of proxies and VPNs is self-condemnatory (Luke 8:17 “what is done in the dark, will be brought to the light”)

    • All sane and rational people believe child pornography should be criminalized and annihilated from the face of the earth. Attempts to frustrate this is pure evil

  • Lustful thoughts about children

    • Must be dealt with by a mental health professionals

    • Pedophiles should self-report

  • Using substitute material that features children to lust over

    • This is hypocricy and requires complete honesty. People invoved should refer to mental health professionals

    • Includes material such as modelling, immodest and naturist/nudist material

    • Pedophiles should self-report

    • Law enforcement should use pattern finding technology in order to detain and question suspects

      • With the roll-out of verified internet identities this should become easier. There should be no excuse for those who habitually view such material without any valid justification. They should be door knocked by law enforcement and questioned

  • Applies to Both Male and Female Pedophiles

    • The law should apply equally to both male and female pedophiles, especially to women who solicit, pimp, assist, and help perpetrate child abuse. They pervert, twist and distort the maternal trust that is placed in them

All of these are EXTREME AND SERIOUS SINS.

The sternest words against this came from our Lord:

Matthew 18: 6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

The magnitude of this crime is truly shocking. It is an appalling sin on the Church, society, and people charged with protecting children.

To stumble means to lead into sin.

…abusing, exploiting, corrupting, or leading astray those who are new, young, or weak in the faith—especially children who trust in Jesus.

What is more heinous than leading those into fornication or sexual immorality - so completely condemned in Holy Scripture?

Exclusion from God's Kingdom: The unrepentant who practice sexual immorality "will not inherit the kingdom of God". This warning appears in multiple New Testament books (e.g., 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:3-5; Revelation 21:8).

  1. 1 Corinthians 6:9–10 “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (Note: “men who practice homosexuality” translates two Greek terms: οὔτε μαλακοὶ οὔτε ἀρσενοκοῖται)
  2. Galatians 5:19–21 “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
  3. Ephesians 5:3–5 “But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.”
  4. Revelation 21:8 “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

DO NOT BE DECEIVED.

Anyone involved in, participating in, promoting or supporting such evil must fully cooperate with the relevant governmental authorities (including the police) to cease and eliminate it. All emanations of this evil must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law with the complete cooperation of all those required to give it.

We are morally bound to help governments and police destroy this evil:

Romans 13 13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

It can and must be destroyed. Those involved must immediately submit to the relevant authorities (including the police) and turn their lives away from such filth permanently and forever. No quarter can be given - it must be ruthlessly rooted out.

Submission to governing authorities means once and for all never having anything to do with this abhorrent crime. To entertain “backsliding” should be an impossibility.

There can be no doubt, no toleration, no cooperation, no excuses -

Mark 4:22 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be brought to light.

FIRM PURPOSE OF AMENDMENT

James 1:8

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

6 … for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed about by the wind. 7 A man like that should not think that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 since he is of two minds and inconsistent in everything he does.

Romans 14:23 - And he that doubteth is damned

A firm purpose of amendment and avoiding the near occasions of sins are prerequisites for Catholic confession.

Otherwise, why bother coming? If one keeps returning to sin over and over again it is pointless.

Proverbs 26:11: As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.

A firm purpose of amendment does not doubt. Is not like a man enslaved to his passions who is tossed about by tide and the galing wind.

This is softness or effeminacy - the effeminate man refuses to pursue a good because of a reluctance to endure hardship or a lack of pleasure.

The Pusillanimous man is a coward. He has a small soul that shrinks from pursuing the greatness he could achieve. Faint hearted and timid.

There is no perseverance for the effeminate. There is no aspiration for the coward. Every day they circle the drain.

They are slothful. They treat life like a sick-bed requiring constant attention from others. They refuse to use the tools available to them to be masters of their destiny. Instead they curl into a ball.

Cowardly, weak users of others and abusers of themselves. They waste their talents. There is no enthusiasm. They waste other people’s time. They are really shameless, even if they hide it under a false humility. Often, they are surrounded by kind-hearted enablers who seeking to help, only make a bad person worse.

Matthew 7:6 Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to swine. If you do, they may trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.

The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30) -

A bad employee is given money to invest and simply buries it for fear of losing it. He doesn’t even put it in a bank to accrue interest. All his fellow employees reap rewards, but he has only the original capital he was given. His boss is most unimpressed - he wasted his time and money that could have been given to others more enterprising.

A firm purpose of amendment says “enough is enough”. Spiritual warfare isn’t about going onto the field to lose everyday. That is false humility and blasphemous weakness.

Surely enough time has passed to know the basics. Surely enough times has been spent to learn the rules of the game. Enough time has been spent to learn basic skills…

A firm purpose of amendment has made up its mind to “play the game”. Not to return to sin, not to be a loser.

Everyday the loser is vanquished. Yes, the Holy Spirit gives him time to repent, but he keeps doing it

over & over again. He is not really trying…it’s as almost as if he is subconsciously happy to beaten after putting up a very weak fight… effeminate, cowardly - a good-for-nothing, a never-do-well…

AMEND YOUR LIFE.

That means truly wanting to stop, actually stopping and never returning to what makes you a loser, stopping over-analyzing a very easy problem (all this is outrageous sin - how could you possibly reach a different conclusion?), taking firm and concrete steps to avoid sin, avoiding repeated falls, using the brain God gave you to be prudent and sensible

… and finally enjoying long stretches of spiritual success…

While we must not fall into despair and give up, we cannot fall into a sick-bed of softness where we are constantly attended to by other people of goodwill who are better than us simply because we will not stop doing what we should not do.

Amending your life means erasing doubt, and being active in avoiding sin by NEVER returning to repeat performances of dismal failure.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

It means having a genuine, resolute intention — with the help of God's grace — to avoid committing the sin again and to amend one's life. This is part of true contrition: sorrow for sin + desire to sin no more + firm purpose of amendment.

Now is the time - stop returning to filth, stop consuming filth, do what is required to make sure filth is never in your grasp, stop over-thinking about this horror which means you inch closer to using it and have a firm purpose of amendment.

It’s not enough to be sorry, it’s not enough to kind of want not to do it - firm, visible, coherent steps - not babbling madness - are required. And even that is a basic minimum.

Amend your life. Go and Sin no More. EVER.

remissio

*

remissio *

Prayer to Saint Michael Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Act of Contrition (traditional)

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love.

I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.